Gratitude List 2012: 12 Things I am grateful for

First of all please allow me to wish you all a very happy and fulfilling New Year 2013! I also like to thank you for your continual support despite the lack of post since
we left for our babymoon.

We had an incredible time in Europe and the whole experience has enriched our lives greatly. Ideas had been swirling in my head and I was looking forward to share my thoughts with you but things
happened that took away my time and energy.

Ever since I started the practice of writing the gratitude list, it has helped me tremendously in recognising what is going well in my life. This keeps me
positive and hopeful especially when the going is tough.

At the start of this New Year, it is timely to look back at the year 2012 and be grateful for the gifts that I have received. I do firmly believe that life is full of surprises and blessings. We
just need to pay attention to them.

Here are 12 things that I am grateful for in 2012:

1. The miracle of life

The unexpected pregnancy is definitely what we are most grateful for this year. We feel honoured for this privilege to be parents to our unborn baby. It is a
dream comes true. Truthfully, the pregnancy has been difficult and there have been many challenges that tested our faith along the way. I have learned great
lessonsfrom the experience and I know the learning is not going to end anytime soon. For once, I am very grateful that I do not have a work commitment
and that I can take as much as rest as I need.

I am infinitely blessed with a loving and protective husband who continues to impress me. Our marriage is at a very happy place and we look forward to the next stage of our life when the baby
arrives. He is my pillar of strength and my best friend. With him by my side, I know we can weather any storm of life.

4. Excellent care providers

With the challenges that I face in the pregnancy, I am very grateful to be under the excellent care of my providers who are not only competent but also compassionate and caring. They help allay
the fear and anxiety. It also helps greatly that our insurance coverage is sufficient and we don't have to worry about finances.

5. Family visit

I am really thankful that my mum and sister made that long and arduous trip to the Bay Area to share a piece of our lives here. Couple of months later, mum
had a fall that led to a hip fracture. She is in recovery now and this hits home that I really need to cherish all the time we have together because you never know what's going to happen next.

6. Great opportunities for growth and development.

This stint offers me wonderful opportunities for growth and development both in my professional and personal life. Last year, I attended two acclaimed conferences that inspire me to be a better
clinician/therapist. I get to do courses at the prestigious Stanford and Berkeley, something that I value greatly. My hunger and love for learning is definitely satiated by the many opportunities
that are available here.

7. Strong and supportive tribe

Other than my family, my friends are definitely my tribe. I know I can count on them in good and bad times. They have come through for me
with their love and prayers when I first underwent my treatment back in 2004 and then my surgeries in 2007. And now as I go through my pregnancy, they are there ready with words of
encouragements, support and prayers. Thank you my dearest friends. You know who you are!

8. Technology and Social Media

Sadly, majority of my tribe resides half way across the globe and you can imagine my gratitude for whatever means that can connect me with them easily. Technology has removed the barrier and
distance so to speak and I get connected with family and friends at the touch of a button. Social media has also enabled me to keep abreast of the happenings in the lives of my friends and
family. Cool stuff that I am grateful for when you live so far away.

9. Readers of Winifred & You

Yes, I am very grateful for you. You are the reason why I started this blog more than a year ago. My love of reading, sharing and writing found an outlet in this space. Your
readership and support has been a great encouragement. Without readers, a blog is meaningless. I write because I have something to say that I hope will make a difference in the lives of others.
Thank you for giving me this wonderful opportunity.

10. Extensive travelling

Travelling and good food are the two luxuries that we indulge in. Last year, we had the opportunity to visit many places including Tokyo, the Canadian Rockies, Hawaii and four European countries
- Italy, Turkey, Greece and England for our babymoon. Thousands of great memories have been created and while we know that travelling will no longer be the same when the little one arrives, we
are extremely grateful for all that we have experienced. We are also grateful that we were kept safe in all our travels especially those that we took during the pregnancy.

Most days I feel contented with my life. Sure, life is imperfect and I have my share of frustrations and bad hair day but overall life is pretty awesome.While we are not rich, famous or influential,I have more than I need materially. I may not have a paid job or a successful career to speak of but I am doing what I
enjoy on a daily basis. I imagine my current life is the portrayal of my retirement life and that makes me very grateful that I am living it already.

So, thank you 2012 for all the blessings, surprises, joy, pain, struggles and everything in between.

I am grateful for you and your blog. Just as I feel I can't face the anxieties of the future, and want to hide in the narrow confines of my comfort zone, you post something which inspires me. Thank
you.